South Bend’s Decline and Renaissance

Notre Dame architecture students to explore the city's past, present, and future

Students from Prof. Lucien Steil’s interdisciplinary course “American Towns & Cities: Patterns, Types, & Figures” will present their research on the “Decline and Renaissance of South Bend” from 5:00-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 9 at Notre Dame Downtown, 217 S. Michigan Street. A reception will follow. Local practitioners, alumni and friends are encouraged to attend.

The presentation will be organized into four sections: the origin and history of South Bend; urban renewal and decline; downtown South Bend today (realities, problems, and potential); and visions for reconstruction and regeneration of the downtown area. Rather than proposing either a nostalgic retrospective, or a portrait of a struggling downtown, the presentation will highlight the city’s strength and resources. It will also highlight the interaction between the University of Notre Dame and the City of South Bend. The presentation will focus on the making and un-making of downtown South Bend, and will outline ways in which South Bend can develop a sustainable urban future.